Tiky's Birthday Party

This is a photo of Tiky, my dog, with the children of Zacapa, Guatemala on his birthday in November 2002. Tiky and I had been living in Zacapa for almost nine months. After biting a child who had come into our backyard while I was away, Tiky had threats of being poisoned. I was struggling with feeling lonely. I decided I needed to reach out to my neighbors; and what better way than a party! I invited ALL the children in the aldea, which must have been around 100 of them. I made 75 paper dog ears (of which I ran out) and drew noses and whiskers on all the children's faces with my eyeliner. I bought the biggest sheet cake, 2 pinatas, treat bags for children and dogs, and had a huge tub of punch. My female friends got so enthusiastic about the party and helped serve (every child got a piece of cake without a piece leftover). It was a wonderful day and one of the best things I did during my time in Zacapa. That day was the start of some very beautiful friendships. Thank you Peace Corps for having made such a wonderful impact on my life!